Thailand contracts for surveillance tech

ARLINGTON, Va., May 1 (UPI) -- The Royal Thai Army has contracted Aria International Inc. for the delivery of surveillance and communications technologies and training services.

Virginia-based Aria was selected by the Royal Thai Army following a real-time demonstration of the company's surveillance and communications system.

Under the $9.7 million deal, Aria will provide Thailand with a manned airship and helicopter imaging and communications systems and a mobile command-and-control vehicle among other surveillance and communications upgrades and training services.

"The employment of a manned airship and upgraded helicopters equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance and communications systems provides the Royal Thai Army another system with the necessary capabilities it requires to counter the increased activity and threats of crime, drug trafficking and terrorism," Mike Crosby, Aria International president, said in a statement.